Skip to main content

Reply to ""Cruising with Paul" (a summer of workshop lessons) --from St John Lutheran"

Paul's Travels

Introduction and Bible Background

Bible Passage:

Varies from lesson to lesson.

Main Idea:

The Holy Spirit filled and controlled Paul’s life so that Paul was able to live righteously and to witness boldly and lovingly for Christ in all circumstances.

Goals:

By the end of this rotation, the students will

  • Become familiar with Paul’s travels—the cities and the geography.
  • Realize that Paul followed God’s leading as he visited the various cities and regions.
  • Learn that Paul shared his faith through his preaching and through the letters he wrote to the early churches.
  • Realize that some people supported Paul and his teachings and others opposed it.
  • Realize that the devil is real and tries to turn us away from God or trick us.
  • Know that Paul did not give up when his message was first rejected
  • Give God the glory for what He does, just as Paul did.
  • Hear how God cared for and comforted Paul in many dangerous situations.
  • Realize that God cares for them in their daily lives.
  • Realize that God has a plan for their lives, just as He did for Paul.

 


Background Information:

Paul is considered the great apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews). He was born in the Greco-Roman city of Tarsus. He was the son of a Pharisee and studied under the great teacher Gamaliel. He was also a Roman citizen. Therefore, he was the product of 3 great influences of his day: Jewish religion (which gave him a strong Jewish heritage), Roman citizenship (which shielded him from harm at times and enhanced the status of his message at times), and Greek culture (which gave him understanding of the Gentile world).

We first meet Paul (then known as Saul) in the book of Acts, where he is watching over the clothes of those who were stoning Stephen. Saul greatly opposed Christianity and was a leader in their persecution. Later in Acts, we find Saul on his way to Damascus with letters of authority to arrest any Christians that he finds. These plans change when a light flashes around him on the road to Damascus and Jesus speaks to him. Through God’s power and grace, Saul is transformed into God’s chosen instrument to carry the Gospel to Gentiles and Jews both. He begins preaching as a Christian in the synagogues, which is confusing to the Jews who knew that he had originally come to arrest Christians. Some of the Jews desired to kill him, but followers helped him to escape by lowering him in a basket over the city walls [see Video/Art station].

Saul/Paul travels to Jerusalem, but the Christian leaders there are suspicious of his motives until Barnabas speaks in his favor. The church in Jerusalem later sent Barnabas to the city of Antioch in Syria so that he could minister to the believers there. Barnabas asked Saul to join him there in ministry. The church in Antioch sent Paul out on his various missionary journeys [see Computer station].

Paul’s first missionary journey lasted from A.D. 46-48 (see maps at end of Bible Background—also available in many Bibles). He was accompanied by Barnabas. John Mark was with them for part of the trip, but deserted them in the town of Perga (which makes Paul unhappy). Other towns they visited include:

  • Paphos (on the island of Cyprus)—The Roman proconsul wanted to hear the Gospel message, but a sorcerer tried to use deceit and trickery to turn him from faith. In a miracle, the sorcerer was blinded for a time and the proconsul became a believer [see Science station].
  • Pisidian Antioch—the Jews rejected the message that Paul preached, so he became a “light for the Gentiles” to bring “salvation to the ends of the earth” [see Games station for Pisidian Antioch].
  • Lystra—Paul heals a man crippled from birth. The crowd then thinks Paul and Barnabas are the gods Hermes and Zeus, but the 2 men quickly explain that they are just men and then share the Gospel message. Jews from Antioch turn the crowd against them. Paul is stoned and left for dead [see Puppets station].


Paul’s second missionary journey lasted from A.D. 49-52. Paul and Barnabas separate because of a disagreement over John Mark. Barnabas and John Mark travel to Cyprus, and Paul and Silas head elsewhere. During this journey, they were called by God to Europe. Areas they visited include:

  • Galatia (which included towns previously visited such as Perga and Lystra)—Paul later wrote a letter to the Galatians about the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces faith in the believer’s life, as well as Christian virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control [see Cooking station].
  • Corinth—Paul stayed here for 18 months. He worked as a tent-maker with Aquila and Priscilla, as well as preaching in the synagogues. He later wrote a letter to the Corinthians about persevering in their faith. They were familiar with competing in the Isthmian games (second only to the Olympics in importance) to win a temporary prize of a perishable wreath. Paul speaks about a crown that will last forever—the crown of eternal life [see Games station for Corinth].


Paul’s third missionary journey lasted from A.D. 53-57. Locations of interest include:

  • Ephesus—Paul spent 3 years in this town. He later wrote a letter to the Ephesians talking about the armor of God: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit/Word of God [see Drama station for Ephesus].
  • Macedonia (area including northern Greece)—Paul commends the people of Macedonia for their generosity (even in extreme poverty) to the church in Judea [see Missions station].
  • Jerusalem: Paul is falsely arrested by the Jews. Roman officials then arrest him to keep the crowd from killing him. The officials learn of a murder plot against Paul and transfer him to the town of Caesarea under heavy guard. He appears before Felix, the governor. Even though he knows Paul is not guilty, he does not want to antagonize the Jews so he postpones making a decision—for two years. Things were no better under the next leader—Festus—so Paul appeals his case to Caesar [see Drama lesson for Jerusalem].


Paul’s next journey is not a missionary journey—it is a trip to Rome for trial. He was traveling by ship, and the crew was trying to reach safe winter quarters. However, they were caught in a severe storm and shipwrecked on the island of Malta [see Art station].

Eventually, they made their way to Rome, where Paul was placed under house arrest. He wrote many of his epistles (letters) while imprisoned in Rome [see Storytelling/Art station].

The book of Acts does not say what happened to Paul after this. It is believed that he was released from prison after 2 years and then made another missionary journey to some of the places he previously visited as well as to Spain. He was imprisoned again in Rome (this time in a dungeon) during the reign of Nero. At this time there was a great persecution of Christians, as Nero tried to blame them for the great fire in Rome. It is believed that Paul was executed in A.D. 68. Because he was a Roman citizen, the method of execution was beheading.

During this time, the Gospel spread geographically—from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean lands to Rome. It also spread theologically—from a small Jewish-Christian community to an extended church that consisted of many Gentile Christians. Some things to remember about the spread of the Gospel and Paul’s role in this:

  • There were a variety of reactions to Paul’s profession of the Gospel—some came to faith, others were interested intellectually but did not come to faith, some scoffed, and others actively persecuted Paul.
  • God directed Paul on every step of his journeys—even through disasters and physical perils—to preach the Good News of the Gospel.
  • God’s Word will go out wherever He intends, no matter the circumstances.
  • God provided protection for Paul—both from physical dangers as well as Satan’s spiritual threats.


Information on the various ports of call (this will be included on the student’s “passports”):

  • Antioch: This city, the capital of Syria, was the 3rd most famous city in the Roman Empire. The first Gentile Christian church was started here. Believers were first called Christians in Antioch. It was the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys.
  • Corinth: This was the chief city in Greece. It had 2 seaports and was a busy commercial center—it was even known as the “city of shopkeepers”. Paul stayed here for 18 months to preach and help the church. Unfortunately, there was also a lot of materialism and immorality, which Paul wrote about in his letters to the Corinthians.
  • Damascus: This city, more than 4000 years old, played an important part in both the Old Testament (conquered by King David) and New Testament (the site of Paul’s conversion). It was on the trade routes running from Egypt and Arabia to the East. It was between Jerusalem and Antioch.
  • Ephesus: This city was also one of the 3 most important cities in the Roman Empire (along with Alexandria in Egypt and Antioch). It was in Western Asia Minor (now Turkey). It was an important commercial center and was also famous for its vast temple to the goddess Diana/Artemis (which was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world). Paul stayed here for 3 years. Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians.
  • Galatia: This is a region of Asia Minor which included the cities of Pisidian Antioch, Lystra and Derbe. Paul wrote one of his letters/epistles to the Galatians.
  • Jerusalem: This was God’s chosen city—the religious center of Israel containing the temple. It was also the city of prophets and kings (King David and his descendants ruled here). Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred here, as did Pentecost. Paul was on trial here as well.
  • Lystra: This was a Roman colony in what is now Turkey. Paul’s healing of a crippled man occurred here. Timothy, a friend and fellow worker with Paul, was from Lystra.
  • Macedonia: This was not a city, but a Roman province in northern Greece. It included the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica—both of these cities received letters from Paul. This area was commended for its generosity.
  • Malta: This tiny island, about 60 miles south of Sicily, was the scene of Paul’s shipwreck. The word “Malta” means refuge.
  • Paphos: This was the capital of Roman Cyprus, a large island off of the coast of Syria. Paul and Barnabas encountered a tricky and deceiving sorcerer here.
  • Pisidian Antioch: There were several cities named Antioch—this one was located in the province of Pisidia, a mountainous area along the coast. It was also a part of Galatia. After Paul’s Gospel message was rejected by the Jews, he told them that he would now turn to the Gentiles.
  • Rome: Rome was the largest city in the world at that time, with millions of people living there. It was the political capital of the Roman empire. It was a city of contrasts—glorious architecture (palaces, temples, theaters, aqueducts), yet also considered the sewer of the universe because of its many urban social problems. While Paul was imprisoned here, he wrote many of his letters/epistles which are now part of the Bible.

 


References:

  • The Compact Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1967.
  • Concordia Self-Study Bible (NIV). St. Louis: CPH, 1984.
  • Dowley, Tim. The Essential Bible Atlas. Chicago: Moody Press, 2001.
  • Fisher, Nancy. Paul’s Journeys. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 1997.
  • Halley, Henry. Halley’s Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1965.
  • Hillyer, Norman. The Essential Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Press, 2001.
  • Unger, Merrill. The Essential Bible Handbook. Chicago: Moody Press, 1998.

 


A lesson by Cathy Walz from: St. John Lutheran Church

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Last edited by Rotation.org Lesson Forma-teer
Rotation.org Inc. is a volunteer-run, 100% member supported, 501(c)3 non-profit Sunday School lesson ministry. You are welcome to borrow and adapt content for non-commercial teaching purposes --as long as both the site and author are referenced. Rotation.org Inc reserves the right to manage, move, condense, delete, and otherwise improve all content posted to the site. Read our Terms of Service. Get a free Registered Membership or become a Supporting Member for full access to all site resources.
Rotation.org is rated 5 stars on Google based on 51 reviews. Serving a global community including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, S. Africa, and more!
×
×
×
×
×